Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, IC Markets and InvestoPro are two prominent choices, but they cater to different preferences. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is a global leader known for ultra-low spreads, high execution speed, and deep liquidity, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. InvestoPro, scoring 3.8/5, offers a more niche appeal with competitive pricing and Islamic account options, but lacks the extensive local features that Australian traders value. Both brokers accept AUD and support local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals. However, IC Markets stands out with its ASIC regulation, advanced platforms like cTrader and MetaTrader, and a reputation for reliability in the Australian market. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| Instrument | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | InvestoPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | InvestoPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | InvestoPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | InvestoPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | InvestoPro |
For Australia traders, trading costs are critical, especially for high-volume strategies. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $7 AUD round-turn commission, making it one of the cheapest options for scalpers and day traders. InvestoPro’s spreads start from 0.2 pips with a similar commission structure, but its overall cost is higher due to wider average spreads. On a typical AUD/USD trade of 100,000 units, IC Markets can save you $5–$10 AUD per trade compared to InvestoPro. For frequent traders, these savings compound significantly, making IC Markets the better choice for cost-conscious Australian traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | InvestoPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform choice is a key factor for Australia traders, and IC Markets excels with support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all available in desktop, web, and mobile versions. These platforms offer advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and fast execution, essential for experienced traders. InvestoPro also provides MetaTrader 4 and 5 but lacks cTrader, which is popular among Australian scalpers for its depth of market and customisation. IC Markets’ cTrader integration gives it an edge for traders who require advanced order types and low-latency execution, while InvestoPro’s platform selection is adequate for standard trading needs.
| Factor | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | InvestoPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is paramount for experienced traders, and IC Markets delivers with low-latency servers in Sydney and New York, offering average execution speeds under 40ms. InvestoPro’s execution is reliable but slower, with average speeds around 60ms, which can impact scalping strategies. IC Markets’ No Dealing Desk (NDD) model ensures minimal slippage, making it the preferred choice for high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and InvestoPro are regulated by ASIC, providing a high level of protection for Australia traders under Australian financial laws. ASIC regulation ensures client funds are held in segregated accounts, negative balance protection is in place, and brokers adhere to strict reporting standards. IC Markets has a stronger track record with ASIC compliance and is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for dispute resolution. InvestoPro also meets ASIC requirements but has a shorter history in Australia. For traders prioritising regulatory security, IC Markets offers greater peace of mind, while both brokers are legally compliant for Australian residents.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Card/e-wallet fast; bank transfer 1-3 days |
Australia traders benefit from local payment methods at both brokers, including BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. IC Markets processes deposits instantly via POLi and BPAY, with no fees, and withdrawals through Bank Transfer are typically processed within 1–2 business days. InvestoPro also supports these methods but may charge a small fee for credit card deposits and take longer for bank transfers (2–3 business days). Both brokers accept AUD, eliminating currency conversion costs. For traders who value speed and zero fees, IC Markets is the superior choice, while InvestoPro remains a viable option for those comfortable with slightly longer processing times.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Australia seeking swap-free accounts will find both IC Markets and InvestoPro accommodating. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap charges on overnight positions, though it may limit some trading strategies. InvestoPro explicitly markets its Islamic account feature, making it easier for traders to access without additional requests. Both brokers comply with ASIC guidelines for swap-free trading, ensuring transparency and fairness. For Australian Muslim traders, InvestoPro’s straightforward offering is slightly more convenient, but IC Markets’ higher overall rating and lower spreads make it a strong alternative.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
Customer support for Australia traders is robust at both brokers. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support with Australian-based agents during business hours, ensuring quick resolution of issues. InvestoPro provides similar channels but with limited Australian hours, relying more on global teams. IC Markets’ local support is a clear advantage for traders needing immediate assistance.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose InvestoPro if you...
For Australia traders in 2025, IC Markets is the clear winner with its 4.8/5 rating, offering superior spreads, faster execution, and comprehensive local deposit options like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Its ASIC regulation and local support provide unmatched security and convenience for experienced traders. InvestoPro, with a 3.8/5 rating, is a decent alternative for those prioritising Islamic accounts or simpler platforms, but its higher costs and slower processing make it less competitive. If you trade frequently or value speed, IC Markets is the recommended choice for Australian traders.